Mother and daughter overjoyed after receiving assistance

Silvia Brown (right), mother of Shenoya Brown of Campion College and a beneficiary of the Food For The Poor back-to-school grant at the disbursement ceremony held at Food For The Poor in Spanish Town, St Catherine, yesterday. She was among over 200 persons who received grants to assist with preparation for the new school year.

It was hard to get Silvia Brown off the stage as she started to express her gratitude to Food For the Poor. Her daughter, Shenoya Brown, was among over 200 persons who yesterday received grants to assist with preparation for the new school year.

Brown, who currently sells coconuts and jelly from her home in Horizon Park, St Catherine, said that though there are many challenges in ensuring that her daughter has all she needs as a fourth-form student at Campion College, she has never entertained the thought of quitting.

"Last week when I got the call, I was so happy. Sometimes, as a single mother, I try, but sometimes, things get really tough. As I speak, my tricycle needs fixing, but believe me, I am not a quitter, so I still put my Igloo on what I have and push it around," she told The Gleaner at the Food For the Poor offices in St Catherine.

"I know it is not the end. God will continue to provide. Having to think about getting through the day, it can be a struggle. Not all the time Shenoya like what she get, but wi push through. I don't take this assistance for granted at all."

Brown added, "In order for me to get my coconut, I have to go to the country, and the men climb the tree and I send them down, even though they are very heavy. I enjoy what I do, though, and people appreciate my service."

Focuses on conquering

Shenoya was equally elated, noting that she avoids dwelling on her struggles but instead focuses on conquering to inspire those around her.

"What keeps me going is that I believe in myself. I don't believe in myself all the time, but ultimately, I just want to make the world and myself better. I don't feel as if any achievement will be for me alone, but those around me," she shared.

Executive Director of Food For the Poor David Mair said that it never becomes a ritual to give back. He said that the entity is also working with the Ministry of Education to see how best they can expand their outreach programme.